Charles Edward Taylor began his aviation career working as a machinist for Orville and Wilbur Wright at the Wright Cycle Company in Dayton, OH. His technical ability earned him a place in aviation history along with the Wright brothers when they successfully made the first controlled powered flight on Dec. 17, 1903. Charles Taylor eventually became known as "The Father of Aircraft Maintenance."
In December of 2003 thousands of aviation enthusiasts attended the First Flight Centennial Celebration on the sands of Kill Devil Hill near Kitty Hawk, NC, to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the Wright Brothers first powered flight. I was there with a couple of my long-time aviation friends David Novak whom I attended A&P school with and Lyman Hatz, son of the man who taught me how to fly.
Recently while taking care of some much-needed organizing in my office (junk room) at home I came upon the envelope which contains several items I saved from this memorable event. One of these pieces of memorabilia is the following card — signed by Charles Taylor's grandsons.
May 24, Charles Taylor's birthday, is now known as Aviation Maintenance Technician — AMT Day. Over the last few years there have been picnics and celebrations at aircraft maintenance facilities, airlines, schools, FBOs, corporate aircraft maintenance departments, and more, to commemorate the Father of Aircraft Maintenance. If you or your organization plans an AMT Day celebration please let us know. Did any of you attend the Centennial of Flight and also meet the Charles Taylor grandsons? If so please let me know.
Happy AMT Day and thanks for reading, Ron
